DHL Supply Chain and QSL take away KFC's UK supply chain contract

Fast food giant KFC has appointed DHL Supply Chain to operate its UK perishables supply chain with specialist logistics operator QSL.

QSL has worked for KFC since 2011 across its European supply chain.

DHL will manage the warehouse and distribution service, focusing on reducing logistics-related emissions to net zero over the life of the contract.

It will introduce an optimised delivery schedule to provide faster turnaround of orders and greater integrity of food during transport, allowing for “even fresher products on arrival in KFC restaurants”.

QSL will control demand planning and stock management via dedicated IT solutions, as well as managing operational purchasing and accounting for KFC operations.

KFC supply chain director Jens Hentschel said: “To date there has been little variation in foodservice logistics, but we have specifically chosen DHL and QSL for their reputation for innovation in logistics across other industries.

“We are rethinking all our internal and external processes, and placing distribution and logistics at the heart of our new supply chain strategy. We want to deliver a new level of service to our restaurants and franchise partners, improve the quality of service to our customers and reduce our environmental impact – all to a level that has never been done before.

“It’s an ambitious plan, but by working closely with DHL and QSL we’re confident we’ll be able to deliver against our strategic ambitions.”

John Boulter, managing director of retail at DHL Supply Chain UK & Ireland, said: “ We intend to re-write the rulebook and create a stock management, distribution and reverse logistics model based on best practice from a range of sectors including foodservice logistics.”

Florian Entrich, managing director of QSL, added: “We are very proud that KFC has decided to use our tailored QSR solutions for its biggest market in Europe. With DHL, we are confident of establishing a new benchmark for quick service restaurants in the UK.”